A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air by condensing it into water droplets, collecting the water and then releasing the dry air back into the room. Many air conditioners also dehumidify as part of their function. However, a dedicated dehumidifier has a much higher dehumidifying capacity than most ACs, and dehumidifiers are useful in hot or cold weather.

Dehumidifiers are handy because a humid environment prevents moisture on your skin from evaporating effectively, making it harder to stay cool. However, high humidity levels don’t just cause discomfort; they can also promote mold and mildew growth and affect furniture, paper and foods, like salt and spices. In high humidity, many materials absorb the moisture in the air and stick together, mildew, warp or distort.

Using a dehumidifier may be essential if you have had a water leak or flooding from a storm or if you live in a very damp or humid climate where mold and mildew are prevalent. To dry a room or basement after flooding, use your dehumidifier in conjunction with powerful fans that move air around the space.

Choosing a dehumidifier for basement, home or business use is similar in many ways to choosing a portable AC unit. Start by identifying the capacity you need, in this case the moisture removal capacity. For large spaces or very damp environments, you may need a 90+ pint dehumidifier. Many home dehumidifiers fall in the 30-50 pints-per-day range, but high-capacity and commercial-grade dehumidifiers can remove as much as 150 pints of moisture from the air per day.

If you have a convenient way to drain water from your machine, you may want a dehumidifier with a drain hose connection. Otherwise, a dehumidifier with bucket storage will keep collected water inside the machine until emptied.

The best dehumidifier for basement use usually offers a high capacity since basements are large and often damp. For other places, you might prioritize choosing a quiet dehumidifier. If you are drying a space that has been affected by mold or mildew, consider pairing your dehumidifier with an air purifier.